Boost biological filtration in ponds up to 1,000 gallons with a beautiful waterfall. This budget-friendly unit does double duty as an attractive waterfall feature and an efficient biological filter. Unfiltered pond water is directed up and through the included mechanical filter mat and into the bio-media chamber for improved water clarity and quality. In addition to mechanical and biological filtration, the TetraPond Waterfall Filter provides beneficial water movement and active aeration to establish a healthy pond environment. Great for new pond construction or upgrading existing pond filtration. The TetraPond Waterfall Filter measures 19-1/4" x 11-3/4" x 12-1/4" high.

TetraPond Waterfall Filter is for ponds up to 1,000 gallons and requires a
pump rated between 500 and 4,500 gallons per hour. Accepts
1" or
1-1/4" ID tubing.
Bio-media not included.

Please click on "More Information" for installation instructions.

Assembly of Waterfall Filter
Choose either the 1" ID hose fitting or the 1-1/4" ID hose fitting depending on the tubing you are connecting to the pump. Tip: Use the 1-1/4" ID tubing for greater flow.

Place an O-ring on the hose fitting threads and insert into back of filter.

Place an O-ring on the hose fitting from the inside of the filter. Secure fitting with locknut.

Place round plate inside filter.

Place fiber mat on top of plate.

Fill mesh bag (included) with lava rock or bio-media (sold separately). Rinse the lava rock to remove excess dust that could discolor pond water. Place mesh bag in the filter.

Positioning the Waterfall Filter
Typical Waterfall Filter Application

Options for positioning the filter

Place next to the pond, either partially buried or above grade.

Bury into or mound next to pond.

Place at the top of a stream.

Installation Tip to Prevent LeakageNote: The number one cause of water loss in the pond is spillage from waterfalls and streams. It is important that all water from the spillway falls directly into the pond, stream or onto a piece of pond liner that drains the water back into the pond. Even though the spillway has a triple drip edge, water can splash on the rocks and bounce out of the pond.

To prevent water loss:
Place a piece of pond liner underneath and up the back of the filter. Be sure the sides and back of the liner slope downwards towards the pond. The liner should overlap the water's edge so any water spilling onto the liner will flow back into the pond. Stack stones and/or backfill with soil to hide the filter and the liner material.

Connecting the pump to the filter with tubing

For a watertight connection, wrap the hose barb fitting with plumbers tape.

Secure with stainless steel hose clamp.

Testing Waterfall
Plug pump in and allow waterfall to flow back into pond. Inspect the hose connection to ensure there is no leakage before burying the hose.

Hiding the Waterfall Filter
To create a beautiful, natural-looking waterfall, the filter can be partially buried or have stones stacked around it.

Optional: Place stones under spillway and on top to adjust the look and sound of the waterfall.

Maintenance

Fiber Mat - The fiber mat should be inspected often and rinsed off.

Lava Rock/Bio-media - Rinse the bag of lava rock or bio-media in a bucket of pond water. Do not use municipal tap water since this may contain chlorine and chloramines that can harm the beneficial bacteria that have colonized on the lava rock or bio-media. Water may be discarded in the garden to nourish plants. Note: Replace the lava rock before the spring every year, if the pore appears clogged.

Note: The period between each cleaning is dependent on many factors such as fish load, algae growth and the size of the pond. A sensible maintenance schedule should be about every two weeks.

Sludge on the bottom of the Waterfall Filter
Be sure sludge does not accumulate on the bottom of the filter. When the pump is shut off, water may drain back into the pond through the tubing, bringing sludge with it. Use a large sponge to clean sludge from bottom of filter. Note: Never use soap or detergent to clean any parts of the filter.

"Maturation" of your filter
A waterfall filter must undergo a period of "maturation" before fully efficient. During this period, beneficial bacteria grow and colonize on the lava rock until the population is large enough to biologically treat the waste in the water. To avoid dangerous levels of pollutants during this time, gradually introduce pond fish to new ponds and take great care not to overfeed them, especially before the filter has matured. Run the filter 24 hours a day.

Winter Care
The waterfall filter may be left outdoors through the winter.

Warning: This unit can withstand winter temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop below this level, makes sure that water keeps running through the unit, otherwise, there is a chance of ice buildup that will stress the unit. In this case, bring the unit indoors until next pond season.

Be aware that ice formations may develop around the waterfall spillway that can channel water outside the pond and lead to water loss. If there is a risk of ice formation, unplug the pump that powers the waterfall filter. In areas having cold winters, the biological activity of pond filters will go dormant. Be sure not to feed pond fish after the water temperatures fall below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The biological colonies on the filter media will rebuild themselves in the spring.

General Information
How the waterfall works

Mechanical Filtration - Fiber Mat
Pond water is pumped into the bottom of the filter. It rises upwards through a fiber mat, which traps suspended dirt and debris.

Biological Filtration (Lava Rock or bio-media in Mesh Bag)
Beneficial bacteria will naturally colonize on the rough surfaces of the lava rock or other bio-media (not included) and convert harmful pollutants in the pond into relatively harmless nitrate. Nitrate is absorbed by aquatic plants and can also be removed from the pond through partial water changes.

Deciding what type of filtration your new or existing pond needs can be hard. Here's a quick overview of the most common filtration types available, and how they help improve the quality of the water in your pond.

Pressure filters are ideal stand-alone filters for small to medium koi/fish ponds. They also serve as great auxiliary filtration for larger ponds. Not sure which pressure filter is for you? Explore the following chart for some helpful.insights.

Please note: If you wish to ship items with this symbol by express service, additional shipping charges will apply during checkout.

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TetraPond Waterfall Filter WF1000A
4.3
5
6
6

Xlnt Filter + Great Price + Free WATERFALL!
Used this item to replace a $250 in the ground filtration system that was a pain to clean.
The WF1000A is all above ground, simple to set up, easy access and cleaning AND it gave me a second waterfall/spillway feature at the OTHER end of my pond/river tucking easily out of sight right under the hanging type bush at poolside.
Cheaper, easier maintenance, more aesthetically pleasing AND it cleans the 800 Gal pond quickly and efficiently. What's not to love?
June 24, 2014

Great buy
For the cost, it's hard to argue. Regardless of pond size this works.
It's a simple and efficient way for moving way around your pond.
I used a simple 40.00 1kgph hybrid pump and it moves water nicely.
May 15, 2014

great buy
Much larger than I thought. Nice waterfall for any pond. Easy to clean filter pad. This is a second waterfall for my small pond. I have water falling in from one other filter. This makes a nice wide fall. Thank you Melissa
May 11, 2013

This product works great.
Good price, fast shipping, and best of all it works,started to clear my goldfish pond by the next day.
August 4, 2012

Product Q&A

Ask your questions. Share your answers.

I live in Central Oregon and we spend blocks of winter time below zero or close to it. Would I need to disassemble this unit and bring it inside for the winter? Or just disconnect the pump (which I do bring in for the winter) and let it drain? Would the media need to be brought in or would it winter ok?

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Answers

Thank you for your question. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-443-1160. You can also email them at CustomerService@FosterAndSmithAquatics.com.

4 years ago

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2out of13found this answer helpful.

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i have this unit the waterfall filter but my bag that holds the lava rocks is getting holes in it the rocks are falling out. But cant find a bag on your site or catalog, so can you buy just the bag that holds the lava rocks?

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Answers

Thank you for your question. We recommend the 12" x 15" Self-Fastening Media Bags, item# 23638, to replace the filter bag in your TetraPond Waterfall Filter. Here is a link for more information:http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.c...

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Answers

Thank you for your question. We sincerely apologize, unfortunately, there is not a media we would specifically recommend using over the other. The media you choose will be based on a personal preference.

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Magnetic drive pumps for versatile water garden applications
Reliable pond pump performance at a budget friendly price Use to drive pond filters, water fountains, waterfalls and more Enjoy professional pump performance without a professional price tag. From the trusted ...